We’ve put in the elbow grease, so you don’t have to. Whether you’re pulling seized bolts, slicing through wiring, or twisting clamps in the dark — these are the Knipex pliers that do it all, and don’t flinch. Here’s our top 5, ranked by usefulness, reliability, and pure no-BS workshop value.
#1 – Knipex Cobra 87 01 250
These aren’t just pliers — they’re a rite of passage. Every seasoned mechanic knows the Cobra name. One-handed adjustment, a bite that gets tighter the harder you pull, and the kind of build quality that turns tools into heirlooms.
- ✅ Locks tight even on rounded fasteners
- ✅ Adjusts fast with one hand in tight spots
- ✅ Outlasts everything else in the drawer
- ✅ Forged steel jaws stay sharp for years
- ✅ Zero-slip box-joint design
- ⚠️ Higher upfront cost
- ⚠️ No electrical insulation
- ⚠️ May feel overkill for light DIY tasks
| Length | 250 mm |
|---|---|
| Jaw Capacity | 46 mm |
| Adjustment Positions | 25 |
| Grip Type | Plastic-coated (non-slip) |
| Made in | Germany |
🔎 What Real Buyers Say
- “Grips like hell – even on rounded nuts and pipes.”
- “Adjusts instantly with one hand – perfect in tight engine bays.”
- “Cost more than others, but they outlive everything else.”
#2 – Knipex 74 01 250 High Leverage Diagonal Cutters
Built to chomp through piano wire, these high leverage side cutters don’t mess about. Minimal effort, maximum bite. Perfect for mechanics, sparkies, and anyone who’s tired of cheap cutters that crush more than cut.
- ✅ Clean cuts through tough wire
- ✅ High leverage design reduces hand fatigue
- ✅ Precision edge hardened to ~64 HRC
- ✅ Robust enough for daily workshop abuse
- ✅ Ideal for electrical and mechanical tasks
- ⚠️ Not insulated – don’t use live
- ⚠️ Too aggressive for delicate wire stripping
| Length | 250 mm |
|---|---|
| Cutting Capacity | Up to 2.5 mm piano wire |
| Handle | Plastic-coated |
| Made in | Germany |
🔎 What Real Buyers Say
- “Snaps thick copper wire like it’s nothing.”
- “Much easier on the hands than standard cutters.”
- “Never buying £10 cutters again – these are next level.”
#3 – Knipex 86 03 180 Pliers Wrench
Don’t let the name fool you. This is part wrench, part pliers, and pure genius. Smooth jaws, adjustable grip, and the ability to replace an entire spanner set. Once you use it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
- ✅ Won’t mar or scratch soft fittings
- ✅ Excellent for plumbing, brake lines, trim
- ✅ Parallel jaws clamp like a vice
- ✅ Super compact and versatile
- ✅ Replaces multiple wrench sizes
- ⚠️ Smaller jaw capacity vs open spanners
- ⚠️ Can pinch if you’re careless
- ⚠️ Addictive – you’ll want all sizes
| Length | 180 mm |
|---|---|
| Jaw Capacity | Up to 35 mm |
| Handle | Plastic-coated |
| Made in | Germany |
🔎 What Real Buyers Say
- “Perfect for brake lines and soft fittings.”
- “Holds like a wrench, handles like pliers.”
- “Own three sizes now – they're addictive.”
#4 – Knipex 13 96 200 Electricians’ Multitool Pliers
This is the Swiss army knife for electricians. Strips, crimps, cuts, grips – all in one. Saves space in your bag and time on the job. Bonus: insulated up to 1000V.
- ✅ VDE rated up to 1000V
- ✅ Cuts cable, strips wire, crimps connectors
- ✅ Combines multiple tools in one
- ✅ Comfortable insulated grips
- ✅ Ideal for mobile repair work
- ⚠️ Not as robust as dedicated cutters
- ⚠️ Slightly bulky for fine work
- ⚠️ Pricier than non-VDE equivalents
| Length | 200 mm |
|---|---|
| Functions | Cutting, stripping, crimping |
| Insulation | VDE 1000V rated |
| Made in | Germany |
🔎 What Real Buyers Say
- “Game changer for van toolkits.”
- “Saves me switching between 3 tools.”
- “Proper insulation, peace of mind.”
#5 – Knipex 48 11 J3 Circlip Pliers
Snap ring pliers that don’t slip, flex, or launch a clip across the garage. Precision tips and zero-torque flex make them a must for gearbox work and tight engine jobs.
- ✅ Solid steel tips, no bending
- ✅ Excellent for internal/external circlips
- ✅ Minimal flex under load
- ✅ Controlled grip prevents clip-launching
- ✅ Available in straight or angled tip
- ⚠️ Single-purpose tool
- ⚠️ Pricier than basic circlip sets
- ⚠️ Watch your clip size compatibility
| Length | 180 mm |
|---|---|
| Tip Diameter | 1.8 mm |
| Circlip Range | 19–60 mm |
| Made in | Germany |
🔎 What Real Buyers Say
- “Actually holds the circlip without drama.”
- “Solid tips – no twisting like cheaper pliers.”
- “Essential for engine and diff rebuilds.”